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Smoke Alarms Save Lives!

Smoke alarms are devices that can save your life! They alert you when smoke is present in or around your home. When you are sleeping, they are your “nose at night” and can help you escape safely in the event of a fire.

Fire Facts:

Almost 400,000 home structure fires occurred in the U.S. in 2007, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Those fires killed 2,850 people.

On average, 8 people died every day in the U.S. in 2007.

Even though 96% of people surveyed said that they had a working smoke alarm in their home, no working smoke alarms were present in almost 2/3 of the homes where a fire death occurred in 2007.

Missing or dead batteries are the main reasons smoke alarms do not sound in response to a fire.

A home fire doubles in size every 30 seconds.

A smoke alarm has a limited life – like any household appliance that works 24-hours a day.

If you don’t know exactly how old your smoke alarms are, you should replace them just to be safe.

Once a house fire starts, you have less than 5 minutes to get you and your family to safety.

Most deadly fires in America occur during the night, between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. The majority (51.6%) of victims of home fires die in their sleep.

Your family’s chances of surviving a home fire DOUBLE when there are working smoke alarms in the home.

Each year, home fires kill more Americans than all natural disasters combined.

Types of Smoke Alarms

Ionization– This is the most commonly available smoke alarm. This kind of technology detects fast burning, rapidly moving fires.

Photoelectric– Many smoke alarms also contain this kind of technology. These sensors detect slow, smoldering fires.

Dual-sensing – One alarm that contains both technologies of ionization and photoelectric.

Most smoke alarms are battery operated. Many older alarms use 9volt batteries. Even if a battery is hardwired in to the home’s electrical system, a battery is usually included as a “back-up” in case of power failure. Some of the newer smoke alarms can use lithium batteries. While lithium batteries usually cost more, they last much longer – as much as ten years longer than a 9volt battery.

Where to install smoke alarms

The Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department recommends that every home have a smoke alarm outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home including basements. For the most protection, install a smoke alarm in each bedroom.

Hallways longer than 30 feet should have a smoke alarm at each end.

Install smoke alarms at the top of each stairwell.

Smoke alarms in kitchens should be kept away from cooking fumes or smoking areas.

Install smoke alarms on walls at least 12 inches from the ceiling.

Smoke alarms can be installed on ceilings but be kept at least 18 inches away from walls and corners.

Where smoke alarms should not be installed

Do not install smoke alarms near fireplaces, wood stoves or stovetop cooking. This will cause “false alarms”.

Drafts can affect how the smoke alarm works, so avoid windows and doors.

Never place a smoke alarm closer than three feet from an air register that could re circulate smoke.

Remember, when it comes to smoke alarms …

Get it! Purchase the correct number of smoke alarms you need for your home.Check it! Check your smoke alarm every month to make sure the batteries are still working.Change it! Replace the batteries twice a year with new ones to make sure your smoke alarm is in good working order and to ensure your family’s safety.